To take precautions and preventative measures to avert potential dangers or problems; to nip trouble in the bud by addressing its root causes beforehand.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Antonym:
Story:
Once upon a time, a man visited his friend's house and noticed that the chimney was straight, standing right in front of the stove, with a pile of dry firewood nearby. He suggested to his host that they should make the chimney curved and move the dry firewood away. The host, however, did not heed his advice.
Not long after, a fire indeed broke out, but fortunately, the neighbors promptly helped to put it out.
The host slaughtered an ox to thank these neighbors. The neighbors then said that the person who truly deserved to be thanked was the one who had offered the advice earlier.